England cricketers participated in IPL-6 auction and some were rewarded accordingly in line with Kevin Pietersen. Ever since, the South African born exploits in the elite event became famous across the world, there were more English players making themselves available for it. However, the most worrying aspect is that of the preference given ahead of national duty. County cricket teams like Lancashire and Manchester have released their respective players in order to allow them participate abiding by the players’ contract.
However, the decision of playing for the country or in IPL has struck severely with the players who are unable to decide. This has been creating a major rift among the players and the selection board. England Cricket Board (ECB) is now at the receiving end because of the fact that most of the players are now favoring the Indian league ahead of their job to play for England.
England captain Alastair Cook is not moved at all with all these recent developments. Perhaps, he has diffused a critically damaging row said to be brewing between players and Lord's over pay and the chance to play in the Indian Premier League. This tussle has been on for quite some time now but came to light recently.
Test wicketkeeper Matt Prior said last week that players were 'frustrated' that the ECB were imposing restrictions on their participation in the IPL. After claims from such a responsible player, it is now evident the kind of anguish that players have been expressing before the board. Sorting out the issues during the initial stages is something that is more important for the country.
However, taking things so far as much as that of Chris Gayle who stopped playing for the country due to a rift and board is highly ruled out. It all depends upon the fact that how the whole issue would be handled. There are critics and columnists who rule in favor of the players that they be given chance to explore themselves as players to a maximum extent.
And players' union boss Angus Porter claimed England players were 'substantially underpaid' and should receive greater compensation for missing out on the Indian Twenty20 cash. The matter now rests with the ECB itself. It has to be noted that England won a Test series in India after several decades. Considering this performance alone, it can be ensured that they be given a better share of price.
Also Cook says, “Playing for England is a huge honour and should always remain that. Of course, you have every right to try to earn as much money as you can. That's professional sport.”
In the case of new T20 star Alex Hales, coveted by the leading IPL teams, Cook said the decision to stop him going to India had been taken by his county Nottinghamshire, not the ECB.
“At the right time, we'll all have to sit down and work out what is best for English cricket, which means looking after the players, but also looking after English cricket, which we are the guardians of for a very short period”, explained Cook.
